Is it a labrador or a westie?
2006-12-05 00:56:10 · 29 answers · asked by Crowdstorm 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
I love all breeds. They are all special in their own way.
So the real question isn't want is the best dog to have, it's what would be the best dog for a particular person or family. And for that I would need a lot more information before I could answer with any forthought.
I have had in my care at one time or another a slew of breeds ( I foster). I currently have added to my family a Labradoodle. Out of all breeds I have had in my home, this puppy seems to be the best for my young child. Learns fast as a whip, and is gentle. Will be hyper when we're out playing, but calm and couch potato insided. Although not a purebred, gotta say I'm quite impressed with this cross.
2006-12-05 01:14:27 · answer #1 · answered by L 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depends where you live- how much you like exercising and "what you want" from your dog.
Labradors are lovely natured even tempered dogs that are intelligent and (relatively) easy to train. They are however - especially when young - FULL of energy and need plenty of exercise and "entertainment". Without this the easily get bored and can then become rather destructive and/or overweight. There is also "plenty of dog" with a lab, which if you have a good sized house isn't a problem, but if you have a smal flat the first visitor that arrives will cause every surface to be cleared with an exhuberant tail.
This is where a westie comes into it's own. Westies are "cheekie little chaps" full of character and personality. They're small and very loving and loyal to their owners, which is a blessing in many ways but can also be a downfall. Like many terriers they can- without proper training- become a little aggressive both with other dogs and with strangers, but i'd strees that in 99% of cases this is the owner's fault not the dog's. However, if this is you first ever dog and you have children- I'd go for the lab- not that the untrained westie will be a danger to your own children, but more in its protective nature towards their friends.
So far as health goes, as with most pedigrees each breed has its foibles but neither is worse than the other.
If you've a good sized home, like plenty of long walks and/or have children go for the lab.
If you're elderly and/or live in a flat and don't particularly like walking that much, and want a dog that can comfortably sit on your lap go for the westie.
Either will provide years of joy and companionship. Personally I have an English Springer Spaniel and they're just bonkers.... so what do I know!!
2006-12-05 01:13:12 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
It depends on your home life - do you have kids? Do you work? Do you have time to go for long rambling walks? I'm at home all day and we have a GS/Collie cross who is lovely with my kids and very much part of the family. Westies are cute and don't need as much exercise. Labradors are very friendly, good with kids but need lots of walks.
2006-12-05 01:02:50 · answer #3 · answered by katieplatie 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It depends on what size of dog you want. I currently have a papillon, which is a toy breed, and I love him to death. He's incredibly sweet and smart and too cute for words!
If you like a larger dog, border collies are super smart, but they don't like to be left alone a lot and should be kept busy as they are classified as a working dog (otherwise, they can get destructive out of boredom).
Labs and retrievers are great family dogs, very gentle and patient and easy to train, that is one reason why they are so popular, but they don't always have a lot of individual personality.
If you've never had a dog, I absolutely do not recommend a jack russell terrier. They are very hyper and like a lot of attention or they can make a complete mess of your house.
2006-12-05 01:12:17 · answer #4 · answered by CassandraLee 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well a Labrador is for people who either like jogging, like hunting, or have a lot of land. Westies are for people who have rats/mice, don't have children, and can keep it indoors.
Is this a contest on two people's opinions?
2006-12-05 01:02:34 · answer #5 · answered by Rachel H 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
because there is such a huge difference between these 2 breeds, i'm going to say it depends on your situation. labs are great dogs but they need room to run. westies are probably great apartment dogs. but i personally don't trust little dogs with little kids. let me rephrase that. i don't trust little kids with little dogs. if your looking to add a pet to your family, all of you should go to a shelter together and pick a dog that will suit your lifestyle and schedule. the people their usually have alot of insight to the animals they care for day after day and know their quirks. they're happy to help.
2006-12-05 01:04:20 · answer #6 · answered by Isis Is: HOPEFULL HOUNDS RESCUE 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
out of those two dogs id probably go with the lab if uve got kids and a spouse, and hav a nice sized house and pretty good sized yard. or westie if ur single or just u and ur spouse and live in a condo/apartment building or a house either one. but out of all dogs ive gotta go with beagles and golden retrievers.
2006-12-06 07:41:17 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Neither - I have a Saluki and I would recommend them. Large breed like a ladrador, but very laid back like a westie. The best of both worlds and Salukis are beautiful too!!
2006-12-05 02:03:01 · answer #8 · answered by megz 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The breed of dog that fits your lifestyle and your family is the best.
Jogger, outdoorsy person who doesn't mind shedding? lab
Less active, likes a dog with a feisty personality? westie
2006-12-05 01:05:16 · answer #9 · answered by bookmom 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Labradors are lovely dogs and are so friendly, I think Westies are yappy little ankle biters.....
My fave dog has to be a boxer, they are a bit hyper but are lovely with kids and adults.....
2006-12-05 01:07:03 · answer #10 · answered by ♥ 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋